There is something about New York City that genuinely makes my heart smile. I love the Big Apple! Life can get crazy, and we can get caught up in the madness of it all, so this trip was a much-needed escape. The hustle and bustle that may turn some off are what draws me closer. My husband and I enjoy visiting, and it is now one of my favorite places to visit. We love to explore this beautiful city, and no matter how many times we visit, we leave wanting more.

Activities

My husband and I go to the movies several times a month so it was only right that we enjoy a movie on our vacation. We saw The Art Of Self-Defense at the Alamo Drafthouse Brooklyn location. The theater is located in City Point which includes other shops such as Target and Century 21. Anyone who knows me knows that I adore the Alamo Drafthouse so getting the opportunity to check it out in New York was amazing.

Watching Dave Chappelle’s standup show on Broadway was the highlight of my vacation! The show took place at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. My husband is a die-hard fan and because of him, I have become quite fond of Mr. Chappelle. We have seen his shows on multiple occasions. As a matter of fact, we came to New York City in 2014 to see his standup at Radio City Music Hall. It is definitely safe to say that we enjoy him. I had an amazing time and the energy was indescribable. The music that played before the show created a party atmosphere that had everyone on their feet. Dave was hilarious and stayed after to allow the audience to ask questions. It was a night to remember!

The catacombs beneath the Basilica Of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral was both interesting and educational. We learned the history of the St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral that was completed in 1812. The first half of the tour was done by candlelight. It was a creative concept that enhanced the entire experience. We were given a single LED candle before walking down the dark, candlelit halls where the catacombs lie. Learning about the early Catholics was quite an informative experience. The tour ends in the cathedral. It is absolutely beautiful. The intricate details and colors are breathtaking.

The scenery in Central Park is gorgeous. I enjoy the calming atmosphere and love taking a stroll through the panoramic landscape. Although I enjoy the busy and exciting streets of New York City, it is nice to escape to a beautiful, quiet and peaceful place. Every time my husband and I visit New York, we make it a priority to stop by Central Park. We also enjoy doing a little sightseeing. We saw Little Italy, Central Station, and Hudson Yards. Hudson Yards is an area filled with shops, residential areas, and restaurants. My favorite part of visiting Hudson Yards was seeing the Vessel. The Vessel is a gorgeous spiral staircase that allows you to view the city in ways you’ve never imagined.

My husband does a great job planning our activities while on vacation and this trip was no exception. He took me to the American Museum of National History and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I loved the variety of exhibits displayed and truly was amazed by what I saw. The display of various animals from all around the world was amazing. I adored the Unseen Oceans special exhibit. The interactive experience was both fun and educational.

Top of the Rock Observatory is a must-see and something I love to do each time I visit New York City. Taking a ride in the elevator which is what they call a sky shuttle, was very exciting. A short video is displayed on the ceiling of the sky shuttle which is a nice touch to the overall experience. The indoor and outdoor views on the 67^th and 69^th floor is astonishing. The view on the 70^th floor is also something that must be experienced as it is difficult to put into words. At the top, you can see Central Park and the beautiful skyscrapers from several different angles. There is nothing like feeling the nice breeze hit your face while admiring the glorious view of NYC.

Food

When traveling, I love trying various restaurants. A few places we tried were Bond 45 New York Italian Kitchen & Bar, Sakura Sushi & Thai Cuisine and Little Cupcake Bakeshop. Bond 45 serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is open late and has a late-night happy hour. I enjoyed the food and the calming atmosphere. Sakura Sushi & Thai Cuisine was a nice quaint spot that had amazing food. While doing a little sightseeing in SoHo, we noticed this cute bakeshop on the corner and I immediately fell in love. The large windows provided a clear view of the display counter filled with magnificent treats. I was slightly overwhelmed as there were so many options to choose from. There was a variety of cheesecakes, ice creams, cakes, cookies, pies, and cupcakes. It was only right that I try a cupcake at the Little Cupcake Bakeshop. I had the Strawberry Shortcake cupcake which was divine.

Visiting New York City is always a pleasure. There is so much to do and I am always left wanting more. I don’t think I will ever get tired of this amazing city. What can I say, I am drawn to the fast-paced city life. When my husband and I return from our vacations in NYC, I try to convince him that moving there is the best move for us (haha). Please assist me in convincing him. There’s nothing like New York City…